Bhasani’s 41st death anniversary on Friday

The 41st death anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, a great national leader, will be observed on Friday with due respect.

Bhasani, popularly known as 'Majlum Jananeta'- the Leader of the Oppressed- passed away on November 17, 1976. His religious grounding, combined with a Marxist world-view, also earned him the name 'Red Maulana'.

Different social organisations and political parties, including Awami League, of which he was a founding member, and the BNP have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day. According to a UNB report, Maulana Bhasani Science and Technology University, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani Foundation and Bangladesh National Awami Party (NAP Bhasani), also have taken various programmes, including placing wreaths at his grave, holding milad and discussion, to mark the day. Bhasani Smrity Sangsad will hold a milad mahfil at Bhasani Bhaban in Nayapaltan, at 11am on Friday. President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia issued separate messages paying rich tributes to the memory of the great leader. In his message, the President said, "I pay my deep tribute to the memory of Majlum Jananeta Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani on his 41st death anniversary." He also recalled Bhasani's outstanding contributions to the nation and different rights movement. "He always gave priority to national interests rising above personal gains." the President observed. In her message, the Prime Minister said Bhasani struggled throughout his life for establishing the rights of working-class people. Mentioning that Bhasani had ideological unity and political closeness with Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina said he had struggled throughout his life for building a democratic, secular and progressive Bangladesh free from deprivation and exploitation. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, in her message, said Bhashani was the earliest dreamer of an independent Bangladesh, and torchbearer during all the national crises during his time. Bhasani was a popular leader in his fight against imperialism and oppression of Pakistani rulers. He led the historic Farakka March in 1976 to ensure Bangladesh's fair share of the Ganges River water. Born in 1880 in Dhangara, Sirajganj, Bhasani gained immense popularity among peasants. He is regarded as the proponent of secular and left-leaning politics in present-day Bangladesh. He was the founder and president of the Pakistan Awami Muslim League which later became Awami League (AL). He also formed a progressive political organisation called National Awami Party (NAP).

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